POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH ATTRIBUTED TO THE STAR ENGRAVER Depicts an American shield below crossing flags, one the British...

POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WHALE'S TOOTH ATTRIBUTED TO THE STAR ENGRAVER Mid-19th Century

Depicts an American shield below crossing flags, one the British red ensign and the other a stylized American flag. A laurel wreath with red flowers and berries surrounds the shield and the flagpoles. Mounted to a wooden base. Overall height 8.75".

As discussed in Scrimshaw and

Provenance: A Third Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists by Stuart M. Frank (Mystic, Ct.: Stuart M. Frank and Mystic Seaport Museum, 2013), p. 269, the Star Engraver is so named because of the distinctive five-pointed stars seen on his known work. Five of his teeth are part of the Nantucket Historical Association collection, and one, with an identical shield and a portrait of a woman, was sold at Eldred's, July 19, 2013, Lot #623. (This same tooth was sold again at Rafael Osona Auctions, August 4, 2018).

The Collection of Paul Vardeman.

Condition: Some age lines at base. No other damages noted.

This item will not be shipped internationally without a CITES permit. Obtaining CITES and any other necessary permits is the obligation of the buyer.

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